Want to feel refreshed in just 24-48 hours’ time? Try a mini-vacation getaway a few hours from home! In my case, since I live in Boston, I’ve sampled and amassed a collection of my favorites: some of the best New England hotels, inns, and resorts to share with you today for your trip planing pleasure.
These excellent New England accommodations span Massachusetts (state of my home!), Rhode Island, Vermont (though beware of Vermont in April), Connecticut, and New Hampshire. They range from resorts perfect for solo travel, to couples’ getaways ideal for romantic getaways in New England, to family-friendly accommodations, to everywhere in between.
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Why Trust These New England Hotel Recommendations?
The common theme here is that I’ve personally tested and enjoyed each and every hotel on this list, so I can honestly recommend it. Click through any of them to see my full, detailed write-up and photos of each spot (replete with some epic photo poses). Let’s begin!
Best New England Hotels and Resorts
Looking for fun, beautiful hotels, inns, and resorts in New England, from historic Massachusetts to VT, RI, ME, CT, and beyond for a getaway? Here are some favorites!
The Woodstock Inn and Resort, Vermont
It's hard to choose a favorite hotel from all of the New England gems, but the Woodstock Inn and Resort in Vermont is up there. Why? A beautiful historic hotel with a wide range of room styles, excellent food and architecture, a stunning fitness center, and proximity to a delightful town, plus mountain fun.
Inn by the Sea: Maine
For romantic seclusion in a luxury resort and spa, Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine can't be beat. This is the #1 spot I recommend for couples who want to get away from it all and enjoy phenomenal food and a wonderful room at an oceanside getaway.
Hotel Viking, Newport, RI
One of the most memorable hotels I've ever experience is the historic Hotel Viking in the storied seaport town of Newport, Rhode Island. Close to the mansions of the Gilded Age at the Cliff Walk, this luxury hotel models many of its suites after that ornate architecture.
Harbor View Hotel, Martha's Vineyard
The "Grande Dame" of the vacation paradise island, Martha's Vineyard, is the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown, MA. Enjoy water views and great food.
Cliff House, Maine
Picture yourself overlooking crashing waves along ocean cliffs -- while you swim in a tranquil pool -- and you've got Cliff House, Maine! This resort would likely be higher on the list, but as you'll see from my review, here, I had a bit of a unique style of visit for this one.
The Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel's: Cape Cod, MA
Hotels that are at the heart of a bustling town -- but still feel cozy and secluded -- are my favorite, and The Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel's on Cape Cod fits the bill! Get a dog-friendly Bed and Breakfast experience, all within steps of the shopping, art, nightlife, and beaches of P-Town.
The Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, MA
Talk about history and unique decor... Browse these photos of all the curios at The Red Lion Inn in Western Massachusetts and let your jaw drop. The property is also right in the cute Norman Rockwell town of Stockbridge, and within a short drive of excellent hiking, plus music at Tanglewood. Just know that rooms vary widely by style and ameneties, so discuss options to find the best fit for what you seek.
Smugglers' Notch: Vermont
Want a family resort that's a kids' paradise -- and potentially parents' paradise, too, since there's childcare? Smugglers' Notch in northern Vermont is great all year round -- from skiing in winter, to swimming in summer. Click through to see photos of the giant indoor play area, spacious condo rentals, festivals, lakes, and more.
Sheraton Harborside, Portsmouth, NH
I found Portsmouth, New Hampshire (and the surrounding towns of Kittery, etc.) to be an excellent weekend getaway from Boston. The Sheraton Harborside was comfortable, and right in the heart of town.
The Press Hotel, Portland, Maine
My top suggestion for a great getaway trip from Boston is Portland, Maine -- especially if you love food! I've stayed in two different great hotels there: One being the glorious and luxurious Press Hotel in the center of town (loved it), and the other being the Holiday Inn farther outside of town, which was the Holiday Inn by the Bay, which was surprisingly great.
Hotel Northampton, Northampton, MA
I find Northampton, MA (and nearby Amherst) to be an ideal getaway destination from Boston, since it's just two hours away, and packed with fun activities and lovely nature. The Hotel Northampton is right in the center of it all, and has a cozy restaurant, too.
The Inn at Mystic, Connecticut
If you're looking for a quirky choice, the Inn at Mystic in Mystic, CT provides nautical decor, and in the case of our room, a mirrored jacuzzi! It's near the town (Mystic Pizza!), has a restaurant, and is close to the maritime ship museum, too.
Hotels, Inns, and Resorts vs. Rentals like Vrbo or AirBnB
Now that you’ve seen my (ever-growing) list of recommendations for great New England hotels, inns, and resorts: It begs the question, “Aren’t condo or house rentals better?” Well, the answer is that it really depends what you’re looking for.
I love rentals from companies such as Vrbo or AirBnb when I want to have a large group of people in a homey, family feel for an extended amount of time. It can also save money because rentals have kitchens in which you can prepare your own food. If you’re looking for those elements, then rentals may be a better match than hotels.
But! I refer your attention to the spot-on Onion article entitled: “Mom Spends Beach Vacation Assuming All Household Duties In Closer Proximity To Ocean.” Yup! The problem with rentals is that they often lead to many of the same cooking and cleaning chores as one has at home — which is not so much of a getaway, especially if you’re the person doing them.
Given this, to me, hotels and resorts are the ultimate getaway. Someone else makes the bed, and the assumption is that you will not be cooking — you’ll head to the hotel restaurant, or a nearby eatery. Further, hotels with beautiful or significant architecture, such as those from the Historic Hotels of America collection, can transport you to another time and place…. ideal for that “vacation” feel.
New England Hotels and Resorts, in Sum
Though I’ve added many of my favorite New England hotels, inns, and resorts to this list, I’ve clearly only scratched the surface! For example, there is the grand National Hotel in Block Island, RI, the storied Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, MA, and the fascinating Southbridge Hotel in Southbridge, MA.
Which are YOUR favorite places to stay in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine? Do share!
Want more? Check out my round-up of best cool, fun hotels around the world…
The author, Lillie Marshall, is a 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English, fitness fan, and mother of two who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched Around the World “L” Travel and Life Blog in 2009, and over 4.2 million readers have now visited this site. Lillie also runs TeachingTraveling.com and DrawingsOf.com. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media!